ASEAN ramps up action on online scams, says sec-gen

ASEAN has strengthened its regional response to online scams and cross-border crimes through a series of coordinated mechanisms, says secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn.

AI Brief

ASEAN ministers are tackling transnational crimes, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and wildlife trade.
New legal and digital frameworks are being developed, with a focus on cybersecurity and combating online scams.
Scam networks pose a major threat, generating billions in losses and undermining regional stability, prompting urgent ASEAN action.

He said several initiatives were being implemented under the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, which brings together home and interior ministers from across the region.

‘We address a wide range of issues, including human trafficking, wildlife trafficking and drug smuggling,’ Kao said in an interview on Tuesday.

‘We are not shying away from these challenges but confronting them head-on.’

He said ASEAN was working closely among member states and with external partners to enhance law enforcement cooperation and improve coordination in tackling organised crime.

Kao added thar the ASEAN Law Ministers’ Meeting was expanding collaboration on new legal frameworks to strengthen joint efforts against cross-border offences.

He said the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting had also formed a working group focused on combating online scams, reinforcing regional cybersecurity and digital resilience.

Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that transnational scam networks would be a key focus at ASEAN summit, given their growing threat to regional stability and economic security.

He said scam operations across the region were undermining trust, economic growth and social stability, making them a serious concern among ASEAN member states.

The United Nations has described Southeast Asia as “ground zero” for global scam syndicates, estimating that cybercrime in the region generates about US$43.8 billion (RM185.3 billion) in yearly revenue.

Victims include citizens from ASEAN countries as well as from the United States and China